Lisa's Wine Wednesdays
Sauvignon blanc is a green-skinned grape varietal that originates from the Bordeaux region of France. It is the momma-grape to the Cabernet Sauvignon. The papa-grape is the well known Cabernet Franc. The Sauvignon blanc most likely gets its name from the French words 'sauvage' (wild) and 'blanc' (white) due to its early origins as an indigenous grape in South Western France. In the late 19th century the phylloxera epidemic destroyed most of the vineyards for wine grapes in Europe, most notably in France. Phylloxera was introduced to Europe when avid botanists in Victorian England collected specimens of American vines in the 1850s. Luckily for Sauvignon blanc (among a few other varietals), European settlers to Chile planted some of these vines brought from France and created some of the best Sauvignon blanc in the world (in addition to the oldest vines that had not been affected by phylloxera. This deadly pathogen never reached Chile due to its mountainous protection.
Classic characteristics of Sauvignon blanc include scents of elderflower, freshly cut grass, lime, and passionfruit. Depending on how ripe the fruit it when it is harvested, the flavor can range from zesty citrus to floral peaches. Pairs well with shellfish and goat cheese.
I picked two wines for this pairing: 1 from Chile and 1 from New Zealand, and both of these wines were delicious.
Polkura, Aylin, Sauvignon Blanc 2019, from Leyda Valley, Chile. (approx. USD $15)
It’s grassy, with limestone, good minerality, and nice oak flavors. This wine was good.
WhiteHaven Sauvignon Blanc, 2020, from Marlborough New Zealand. (approx. USD $18)
Absolutely delicious. It’s unbelievable how this wine smells like passion fruit and ripe peaches. Flavors of crisp grapefruit. Lightly golden and perfectly balanced. I can't wait to sit on a sunny beach this summer with this one! It's the perfect example of a classic Sauvignon blanc in my opinion.
Happy Wine Wednesday!
Saluti!
Xoxo -Lisa